Washington DC with preteens and teens

Where to stay depends on how many of you, your budget, and how long you have. Washington is full of hotels with kitchenettes so you can cook some of your meals yourself. Are you interested in that?

There aren't really any secret sites in Washington, so you and your family should sit down with the guidebook and decide which of them appeals to you. Your congressman's office can help arrange tours of the Capitol and th White House.

Congratulations on bringing your children to Washington. Every American should go, and even a cynical old grouch (me)feels a tug of patriotism and wonder. Plus everything worth seeing is free!

I have a feeling you may be surprised. Many hotels are already booked full for early June and those with availability have all raised their rates.

I like the Marriott Courtyard Convention center for a "moderately priced" option. It's in the Penn Quarter, a nice area with lots of restaurants, theaters, cinemas, Metro stations and a short walk to the National Mall. Perfect for families with teens/preteens.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascn-courtyard-washington-convention-center/

For early June, rooms there are running $380/night per room (you'll need two rooms) - plus parking.

If you want something nicer (and even more $$$), the Hotel Monaco is in the same neighborhood. http://www.monaco-dc.com/

If you are looking to put you're whole group up for less than $600/night, you may need to look into the DC suburbs. Arlington County, VA is close-by and a popular budget choice.

Even better, consider a vacation rental. Here are a few I really like:

http://www.vrbo.com/332041 3BR/1.5BA VERY nice neighborhood and 1 block to Eastern Market Metro station.

http://www.vrbo.com/370988 3BR/2BA VERY nice neighborhood, close to Whole Foods, 6 blocks to Dupont Metro

Forgot to mention that we will be with our three kids ages 15 ,13, and12.

Also, I think 5 nights is a good amount of time to see the basics in DC - 7 nights wouldn't be too much.

With three children, I would second the suggestion for a home rental. There are lots of lovely neighborhoods in the metro DC area that are convenient to Metro, and you'll have space for everyone and the benefit of a kitchen.

As for what to see, you really can't go wrong with the "major tourist attractions" as first-time visitors. All of your children are old enough to appreciate the US Holocaust Museum, the Spy Museum, and the Newseum, the latter two of which charge admission, if you're looking for other museum type attractions beyond the Smithsonian. Archives is a good choice, too, for its Charters of Freedom exhibit (get there early, as lines are long).

With a car, visiting Mount Vernon may also be a good idea. Or, rent bicycles and enjoy the Mount Vernon Trail on your way to George's house--the weather should still be pleasant in June.

The Marriott Residence Inn Capitol Hill has 2 bedroom suites with a sofa bed and kitchenette and is within walking distance of Metro.

There is so much to see and do in DC!! Base what you see and do on what your children are interested in. My nephew, who is obsessed with aviation, loved the Air and Space Museum on the Mall and the lesser-known Udvar Hazey Air and Space Museum near Dulles, where he got to see an SR-71 and a space shuttle. My daughter likes the Museum of American History, especially the First Ladies' exhibit.

We (my husband, 16yo son and I) spent five days in DC in October. Here is a link to our trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/the-pickles-visit-our-tax-dollars-at-work-in-washington-dc.cfm

Hope that helps! We really enjoyed our visit.

Lee Ann

Have you considered the HI Hostel in Washington DC? http://www.hihostels.com/
With an available kitchen you could save some money vs. eating out for every meal.